The Incandescent | Book 7 | The Fairy arc

Chapter 22 ~ The Crimson Phoenix

Crimson eyes continued to stare intently at Mara, unaware of her true identity, since she was shapeshifted as Trésora.

Mara's eyes perused the handsome stranger facing her. His red wings were outstretched behind him. His fair skin was pale white like porcelain. His longish black hair was just above his shoulders, arrayed in what Mara called 'a hot guy hairstyle'. He was dressed entirely in black, his stylish suit fitting his slim body like a glove. Mara found it hard to keep her eyes off his body, trying to keep them on his face.

Never would've thought I would be interested in a vampire, Mara thought in admiration of his physical appearance. He looks like a vampire, but he has wings. Maybe he's some kind of vampire hybrid?

Still, those intense eyes and that hair. So attractive....

"Whoa! Hey, uh, you definitely win the vampire angel look, if that's what you're going for," Mara said, trying to keep her voice from sounding too enthralled.

Mara took a step back, attracted yet cautious. She wasn't sure how a vampire would react to an Iredescent. She hoped he wasn't thirsty, since red eyes indicated a thirsty vampire.

"Do you not remember me?" His pleading eyes searched for an answer, the sadness in them startling Mara.

Mara shook her head, confused. "No, I would remember a guy like you." You're too attractive to forget, Mara wanted to add, but she didn't. Why is my heart beating fast? Why am I so attracted to this guy? I've never felt this way before.

The handsome stranger's face fell further into sadness, cloaked in depression. "Does the name Crimson Leeiyor ring a bell?" He proceeded to ask, further confusing Mara.

Oh, right. I'm shapeshifted as Trésora. No wonder he thinks I'm someone else.

Mara shapeshifted back into her true form. Her true outfit materialized, showing off her new black leather jacket with dark pink zippered sleeves, fitted moto black biker pants, a black leather waist pouch equipping her with wooden stakes and garlic sachets, and a dark pink top to match her outfit.

Deciding to be straightforward and honest with the handsome stranger, Mara folded her arms, her skin shimmering pinkish red under the night lights. "I'm sorry, but I truly don't know who you are. I've never heard of that name. I think you're mistaking me for someone else."

His eyes darkened in suspicion. "Did I just – you didn't just – you're a shapeshifter." The words were cold, almost hateful.

Wow, he must really have a vendetta against shapeshifters, Mara thought, alarmed by his hostile tone.

He grabbed Mara's arms, his eyes narrowing as he said accusingly, "You're the shapeshifter that took my blood, didn't you? What sick perverted reason do you have to – "

"Take your blood? Ew! Gross," Mara interrupted, grimacing at the accusation. "I'm a shapeshifter, but I'm not a real vampire; I'm an Iredescent."

"Oh yeah?" Distrust dripped heavily in the handsome stranger's voice, his hands gripping Mara's arms tightly. His eyes blazed with red fire when he burned her arms with the heat of his body temperature.

He is definitely not a vampire, Mara realized when the handsome stranger cut her arm with a red flame, just enough to see her bleed. Mara cried out in pain, feeling the fire burn her skin like a hot iron or a newly forged sword.

The flame retreated, withdrawing from Mara's arm at the sight of Mara's shimmery purple blood proving she was an Iredescent.

Dude, what the stars?! He just burned my arm! Who is this guy?! "Told you I'm an Iredescent. This is my true form."